TITLE: ⟫ The King
AUTHOR: ⟫ J.R. Ward

SERIES: ⟫ Black Dagger Brotherhood #13
RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Long live the King…

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle- with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything- and everyone- at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated with the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response- or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out… or tortured legacy take over?

REVIEW: ⟫ It has been about seven years since I read anything by J.R. Ward but when I saw that the series had been adapted by Passionflix, I tuned in to see what they managed to create. Watching the first season of the series, seeing Wrath and Beth get together and remembering my love for the Brotherhood led me to a new community on Livejournal at this link here and back to the books.

Which led me to The King, whereby we see what life is like for Wrath and Beth after a crazy year or two. Firstly, I truly appreciated the fact that Wrath and Beth are struggling – true love doesn’t necessarily mean everything is hunky dory, and it was good to see them trying to figure out how not to lose sight of each other amidst the madness that is their life.

It was so easy to fall back into this world. I did need to think to remember all of the side-players (how the heck JR Ward manages to keep them all straight is beyond me) and because there are so many people it’s difficult for them all to get face-time.

Trez and Serena were fascinating and I know they have their own story to come. I’m kinda terrified to read it because I don’t think it’s going to have an happily ever after but that’s future me’s problem. Assail and Sola were so aggravating and heart-breaking, especially with how well her grandmother fitted into the mix.

John Matthew and Xhex are going strong, but his seizures continue and I was absolutely convinced we were going to find out about the cause but nope! This was full of political intrigue, fighting, sex, drugs – the only thing it was missing was rock and roll! Wrath and Beth together always make me a little tearful – I think it’s because up until this book, Wrath didn’t seem able to accept that he was allowed to be happy, that he was allowed to have his brothers, take care of his wife, and honour his father’s legacy. Somehow, Ward managed to make all of this clear to Wrath and the world, whilst weaving a tale of love, intrigue and happiness amidst the chaos.

I’m trying to avoid spoilers – I know the books have been out for a long time, but for the people who came to it following the series, I don’t want to ruin anything. Suffice it to say, I really loved returning to this universe, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Then I’ll think about tackling the off-shoots!! Hopefully I’ll see you at the livejournal comm!